Sheriff Zach Scott says the investigation targeted traditional street-based prostitution, as well as people using hotels along the I-270 and Route 23 corridor to meet clients.

Scott says charges include promoting prostitution, soliciting for prostitution, and drug possession.

In one case, investigators reportedly found a three-year-old child waiting in a car while her mother was inside a hotel meeting with a client.

Franklin County sheriff’s deputies say the SUV crossed the center line of a road west of Columbus early Sunday and struck a car. Multiple news outlets report the car’s driver died at the scene and one of her passengers died later Sunday at a hospital. The sheriff’s office said a second passenger died at a hospital on Wednesday.

Deputies say the SUV’s driver ran from the scene. Empty beer cans were found inside the vehicle.

Karnes was the county’s longest-serving sheriff after first being elected in 1992. He worked nearly 50 years in county law enforcement.

Long-time Chief Deputy Steve Martin was named acting sheriff by county commissioners immediately after Karnes died. The Franklin County Democratic Party’s Central Committee was given 45 days to name a replacement.

Many of the people who gathered in the auditorium of Vets’ Memorial were members of the sheriff’s department, their badges covered with black bands.

Karnes died last week just a month after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was 71 years old.

Karnes was known for his large stature and often called “Big Jim.” Reverend Jesse Blevins remembered the sheriff.

“When he walked in the room you could sense his presence when he came in. But on the inside he had a big heart,” Blevins said.

Mourners recalled Karnes’ nearly five decades of public service as well as his other community activities — such as a drug prevention program for children. Father Leo Connolly said Karnes ran a tight ship at the sheriff’s department.

“And so I have this picture first of the angels all lining up in attention. And Jim saying to them there are three things that you need to do: show up on time, don’t lie and do your job,” Connolly said.

Perhaps the most touching memories came from Karnes’ three daughters. Brooke Carnevale spoke for the sisters.

“Most of you here knew him as sheriff, ‘Big Jim,’ James Allen, Jimmy, Uncle Jim, only the three of us had the privilege to call him dad,” Carnevale noted. Carnevale told of her father’s love for boxing, baseball and his garden. She shared childhood memories and recalled her father’s frugalness.

“The tears we shed are because we will miss him so much. He was the true rock of our family,” she said.

Former Marion County Sheriff John Butterworth came down for the service. He said Karnes remained grounded despite his significant job.

“You would never know the amount of responsibility he had because he thought everyone was important,” Butterworth said.

Karnes was elected Sheriff in 1992. He joined the department as a deputy in 1963. Karnes and his wife, Sandra, were married 47 years.